At Mystic River Building Company, we believe in the Design-Build Process. Learn below how the Design-Build Process can work for you. Your vision and preferences are our foremost priority.

Design-Build Case Study

Creating a living environment that you want to come home to day after day... knowing it's your refuge from the work day world is what our Design-Build Process does for you.

Working with us in a collaborative manner to discover which elements of design truly matter to you and then building with them in mind is what Mystic River Building Company does best.

View our case study below to discover how our process worked for Jim and Cindy.
 

Design-Build marries Professional Design with Construction Expertise

Combining the design and construction services means your home is completed sooner and more of your money goes into the quality of your home rather than to your architect or builder. You are actively involved in the construction or remodel of your home.

In the past, building or remodeling a home required you to hire both an architect to design plans and a builder to construct from those plans. Our approach avoids many of the problems often encountered between architects and builders:

  • Avoid Unnecessary Overhead
    Paying for the overhead and expense of more than one firm. That's obvious.
  • Difficult Communication
    Sometimes communications between architects and contractors can be problematic. When we are involved in the design of your home we work together to understand your needs and offer practical suggestions to improve the design and material specifications. Our knowledge of materials and best practices are valuable components of a well-designed structure.
  • Expensive Changes
    Changes in any building project invariably require more time and money than expected - time and money that we believe should be invested in your home.
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Building or Remodeling Project
Jim and Cindy came across a piece of land they couldn't pass up. It was everything they imagined the perfect home site would be. Now that they had decided to build, they needed plans and a builder. Jim and Cindy heard about Mystic River Building Co. through a mutual friend. They called to speak to us about building their dream.

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Initial Meeting
Our initial meeting occurs at Jim and Cindy's home. They feel comfortable in their own surroundings and we get an opportunity to see what 'home' is for them. Just as Jim and Cindy have certain criteria they want to see in a builder we have certain guidelines for our prospective clients. This meeting is an opportunity for us all to make those decisions. Happily, everyone agrees this will be a mutually beneficial relationship and we set an appointment for the project consultation.

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Project Consultation
This meeting takes place at the building site - the slice of heaven that Jim and Cindy have purchased. We walk the site and begin discussions about design, wants and needs. We discuss Jim and Cindy's budget for their new home. A design agreement is entered, and we set a date for our first meeting with our architect. Jim and Cindy are given homework, so they can come prepared to our next meeting.

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Preliminary Design
Jim and Cindy arrive at our architect's office with their homework in hand. They have photos, pictures torn from magazines of various home features they like, and design notes. The architect reviews their information and asks in-depth questions to get a sense of their vision. We discuss from the inside to the outside, the functionality and intended use of each space. The next meeting is scheduled to review the architect's preliminary drawings.

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Refine Design
Everyone is excited to see Jim and Cindy's vision come alive on paper. We review the flow and function of the spaces. A few small changes are made and we are ready to move forward - working construction drawings and elevations. Jim and Cindy leave with more homework - to make selections for everything from flooring to plumbing and electrical fixtures. The next meeting date is scheduled to review selections and begin assembling the budget.

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Final Design
Back in our office, we contact the engineering firm, schedule percolation tests, and set a preliminary date for site plan completion. We review the working drawings and elevations and a couple of small changes are made. As Jim and Cindy's product selections come in, the job specifications are written. When we have finished the budget, we schedule our next meeting with Jim and Cindy.

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Preparation for Construction
We discuss the prepared budget with Jim and Cindy. They have questions and after reviewing and discussing several of their selections and alternatives, we agree to go forward with the construction contract and all shake hands. Upon signing the contract, we begin the permit process and arrange for the start of construction.

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Pre-Construction Meeting
For this meeting we are back at the job site. We review the actual location of the home and driveway on the property. Any last minute thoughts or questions that Jim and Cindy have are discussed and addressed. We also establish communication preferences and a schedule. The excitement is really building now.

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"Form Follows Function"
Louis Henri Sullivan, the twentieth-century architect said "Form follows function". He had a great point. Understanding what is important to Jim and Cindy in their home, and why, is the key to surpassing their expectations. It all begins with function. Our mission is to make the experience of bringing your vision to life one of the most pleasant things you have ever done.

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Construction
Mystic River Building Co. begins the project according to the scope of work outlined. We monitor the project progress and conduct inspections at each work stage. We keep Jim and Cindy's home construction on schedule while insuring quality craftsmanship. We meet with Jim and Cindy at various work stages, keeping them 'in the loop' as construction progresses.

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Guess What I Saw! Is it too late?
Jim visited a friend's home last night and became enamored by the outdoor living area. It was such a comfortable setting that he confers with Cindy, and within five minutes our phone rings. They want to know if we can create one of these beautiful areas for them. The timing is great, and before you know it, we have incorporated a very cozy outdoor space for them to kick back and forget the stresses of the day.

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Project Completion
After the house is completed, we walk through with Jim and Cindy making sure every last detail is just what they expected. We review the mechanical systems and basic maintenance. After the closing, we supply a binder containing paint colors, finish details and all warranty and maintenance information for appliances and mechanical systems.

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Post Completion
We give Jim and Cindy 30 days to get settled into their new home before we call to schedule a visit. We review any questions or concerns they have and make sure they understand their mechanical systems. Jim and Cindy invite us to stay for dinner, and we share anecdotes of the building process. Our goal has been achieved! Jim and Cindy are thrilled with their new home, and they have wonderful stories to tell about their Mystic River Building experience.

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